As Australia reopens, don’t forget travel insurance
Important:
Travel insurance rules continue to change as a result of the pandemic. Some information may not be accurate at this time. It’s even more important to double-check all details that matter to you before taking out cover. Please note:- Some policies may not be available through Finder at this time
- It’s unlikely that your policy will cover expenses from border closures
Travel insurance isn't just for overseas trips. It can also save the day if something goes awry with your domestic holiday.
Borders are finally beginning to reopen across Australia and many of us are already itching to go on an interstate trip. Unfortunately, there's one thing that's sometimes forgotten when planning a domestic holiday. Travel insurance.
While some people associate travel insurance with international trips, domestic travel insurance can provide a valuable safety net when holidaying closer to home.
Among other things, domestic travel insurance can reimburse the cost of your trip if you can't go due to illness or injury, it can pay to replace your belongings if they're lost, stolen or damaged, and it can cover the excess if you accidentally crash your rental car.
In fact, according to NRMA, they're the top three claims made under its domestic travel insurance:
Trip cancelled because someone's very sick (37% of claims)
Lost, stolen or damaged luggage (14% of claims)
Excess for a stolen or damaged rental car (9% of claims)
Additional expenses because someone's sick or hurt (6% of claims)
Importantly, because Aussies are covered by Medicare no matter where they are in Australia, domestic travel insurance doesn't have to cover medical expenses. That means cover might be much cheaper than you expect.
Finder research shows a 30-year-old traveller could get insurance for a one-week trip within Australia for less than $35. Cover for a 10-day trip is available for less than $40.
Whether you're planning a luxurious trip away or a more basic vacation, accommodation alone can easily cost thousands of dollars. Suffer an injury the day before you're due to go, and you could easily lose the lot. Unless you had travel insurance.
Of course, while domestic travel insurance can save you serious cash, it won't cover everything. Specifically, most policies have ruled out any payments that are related to the coronavirus.
That means if borders close up again and you have to cancel your trip, you won't be covered for lost costs. However, there are ways to mitigate this risk, including arranging flexible flights or booking hotels with free cancellations.
Get a quote for your Australian holiday
Planning a holiday close to home? Enter the details and see how little it would cost to get domestic travel insurance.
Finally, some good news! Domestic travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again 🦘 Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.
International travel insurance is limited and sometimes unavailable at this point.
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